Schools

"SKIDZ SCHOOL!"  Learn to control a skid on a wet, 950-foot track and learn five different maneuvers that may save your life. 

This is a popular course offered by the Police department.  Space is limited, so only new participants.  There are three sessions, each 20 students apiece.

Dates are April 15, 16, and 17.  Read more for details, and for links to permission slip and online registration form.

Announcement from Connect-ED:

Because of the inclement weather, Warren Street is currently closed to traffic. Bus stops will be at South and Warren Street and Gable Ridge Road. Parents at Hastings School and Mill Pond School are being notified.

Please be aware that buses may be delayed this afternoon. If you have any questions where your child will be dropped off please call the bus company at 508-870-0211 or the Transportation Coordinator at 508-836-7700.

After-school activities are not being cancelled.

[The following minutes, posted 3/19/10 on the district site, were copied on 23-Mar-2010. Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy  --webmaster]

 WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                                        March 10, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Bruce Tretter, Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Administrators present were Superintendent, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor; Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks; Director of Pupil Personnel Services, Ms. Maureen Ferguson; Principals, Dr. David Fredette, Mrs. Pattie Berkey, Mrs. Maryann Stannard and Mr. John Mendes

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

MINUTES

Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter, seconded by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted 5-0 in favor of approving the minutes of February 24, 2010.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Dr. Towle welcomed Harish Ravi, his family, and advisor, Mrs. Cooper to the meeting, and congratulated Harish, an eighth grade student, who is the state winner of the InvestWrite contest.  He was awarded a trophy and $100, finishing in the top 10 in national competition.

The Mill Pond School has been selected as one of the 20 national finalists for the 2010 National Schools of Character awards program.  Congratulations to Mrs. Hatherley, the staff and the students on this achievement.

Byron Jones is the state champion of the MIAA All-Class Indoor Track.  He placed first in the 1000m race and last spring placed first in the mile for the outdoor track season.

The Superintendent extended congratulations to director, Joe Marrella, and the cast and crew of the wonderful production of “Once On This Island".

Condolences were extended to the families of former Superintendent, Dr. Edward Kelleher, Gibbons School secretary, Mrs. Maureen Rainey, and Mr. Victor Hamburger, husband of teacher, Cynthia Hamburger.

Mrs. O’Connor called attention to the Westborough Education Foundation’s request for applications for grants that are due March 16. Also, curriculum specialist, Sue Bardsley, has been meeting monthly with counterparts in Southborough, which has resulted in a continuum of instruction for Westborough students.  Five science teachers have once again been invited by Genzyme to participate in a week long science project at the Boston Science Museum.  Genzyme pays for substitutes and gives each teacher $400 towards a class field trip to the Museum.  The schedule for Summer School has been announced.  Mrs. O’Connor reported the Transportation committee met today.

Mr. Hendricks reported the pot holes at the high school are being addressed and the fields are being readied for spring athletic contests.  He also noted financial work with the town is moving forward.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. Tretter announced he attended Rick Hebert’s CAD and Robotics class at the high school, which were primarily self directed instruction.

Mrs. Levine-Kanji was pleased with the thank you notes she received from students for participating in the “Read Across America” program.  She also attended the third grade enrichment program at the Fales School today, “Weather or Not”.  Mrs. Levine-Kanji also attended an excellent course, Facing History and Ourselves, which may be expanded to the entire high school.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                         2.

March 10, 2010

Congratulations were extended to the cast, crew and director of the high school performance of “Once On This Island” by all members of the Committee for the outstanding production.

Mr. Doret thanked the Armstrong School members for the opportunity to read to students.  He requested Mr. Hendricks have the trash removed and investigate the dumping of trash on the road by the football field.

Mrs. Henderson acknowledged the “Read Across America” and the high school production and inquired whether consideration could be given to have a student write a thank you note to acknowledge donations in addition to the administration.  On March 16 a Legislative Liaison Meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m.  Questions will be asked about the Local Aid Resolution timing and numbers in order for the district to build a budget, as well as Chapter 70 funding.

REPORTS

[c1] Dr. Towle announced after two years of work by Mr. Tretter, Mrs. Henderson, Jack Foley and the assistance of MASC, the Policy Manual is now on the MASC site, accessible through the district website.

Mrs. Henderson announced the Budget Review Schedule.  In addition to the Finance Committee liaisons, Bill Parsons of the WTA will be offering his perspective.

March 10               Budget Overview, Enrollments, Armstrong, Fales and Hastings Schools

March 17               Review of Budget to date, Curriculum and Professional Development, Middle School

Transportation and Special Education

March 24               Review of Budget to Date, Fine Arts, High School, Athletics

April 7                    Review of Budget to Date, Mill Pond School, Technology, Facilities, Utilities

Revolving Fund, Administrative Recommendations, Public Hearing

April 14                  Budget Adoption by School Committee

The School Committee will then meet with the Finance Committee at a date to be announced.  Town Meeting is May 15.

SCHOOL BUDGET REPORTS

Mr. Hendricks noted the challenges in developing the budget in these economic times.  The budget development has involved directors, department heads, team leaders and the administration. There is a $1 million dollar budget deficit this year, and predicting a $2 million dollar deficit next year. As information becomes available, Mr. Hendricks will provide a bottom line, which is not possible at this time.  The state is mentioning a 5% reduction in aid.  The Middle School is indicating a reduction of 25 students; the high school an increase of 25.  Out of district placement has crept up a little.

Mr. Mendes reported the Armstrong School has 423 students; ELL 19%; SPED 13%; 59 full time staff; 14 shared staff members.  He requested an additional grade 3 teacher as a result of the number of students now in grade 2.  Mr. Mendes also requested an increase of the current .66 FTE Learning Center teacher to 1 FTE Language Learning Center teacher for 2010-11 to service a districtwide program for grades K-3.  Mrs. Henderson and Mr. Harris agreed the numbers in grade 2 would indicate grade 3 will need additional staff.

Maryann Stannard stated the Fales School currently projects 209 students in grades 1-3 plus the kindergarten enrollment figures which are not available at this time. The average class size will be 18.2.   Currently there are 52 students receiving reading support and 9 receiving ELL support.  Forty students receive speech and language help.  The Learning Center is predicted to have 7 and 17 in the classes versus 17 and 17 this year.

A kindergarten lottery will be held March 24 if needed.

Mrs. Berkey thanked the Masonic Angels for all the help they have given to the Hastings School, and in particular Ken Young.  She noted the reduction in the guidance department has had a great impact on the school. Two guidance counselors cover three elementary schools.  Current K-3 enrollment is 370 students; predicted for next year, 355.  Ninety one are receiving reading support and 89 ELL services.  Next year 55 plus K will receive reading

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                        3.

March 10, 2010

support; 94 plus K will receive ELL support. Mrs. Berkey requested a .5 teacher, and 2 paras, one medically trained for an incoming student.

Mrs. Berkey announced a Cultural Fair will be held at the Hastings School March 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Harris requested Mrs. Berkey prioritize the needs. Mr. Tretter noted the district cannot afford increases and suggested class size be the number one priority.  Mr. Doret added the Committee will do its best for the students.

In response to a question from Mr. Doret, Mrs. Berkey responded 24% of the students are in the ELL program; There are 18 different languages spoken by students.

Mrs. Henderson wishes to be assured that all three elementary students are receiving exactly the same education and will be equal when they arrive in the fourth grade at the Mill Pond School.  The administration needs to make that happen.

GIBBONS SCHOOL RENOVATIONS

Mr. Hendricks gave the Committee a copy of an Initial Compliance Certificate from the Massachusetts School Building Authority regarding the renovations at the Gibbons Middle School.  The Skanska Company of Boston has completed a preliminary cost estimate at no charge. They estimate the project to be between $5.5 to $6 million dollars of which the MSBA may pay up to 50% of the approved costs.  Included in that estimate is $175,000 for a project manager.  Mr. Hendricks suggested that amount be requested in an article for the FY2011 budget.  Under the Commonwealth of Massachusetts rules and regulations, it is a school building project.

Mr. Doret suggested amending the article to include a school building committee and to ask MSBA if that is appropriate before bringing the article forward.  More work needs to be done on how it is structured and brought to the town.

The Superintendent noted that before the community questions the spending, it should be made clear that Gibbons needs work.  It is an aging facility.  It needs a roof and windows.  The town needs to be pro active with the MSBA to receive the partial funding available.  The project will take at least two years to go through the required steps.

ENERGY REPORT

Mr. Hendricks reported the Energy Committee met five times and collected data on current energy consumption.  He reviewed the statistical information on electrical and gas costs and the square footage of roofs for possible installation of solar collectors.  National Grid paid 70% of the costs of installing new lighting and new ballasts throughout the district.  National Grid also paid 100% of the retro commissioning projects.  The district joined Constellation Energy’s load reduction program last year.  The district receives approximately $20,000 annually from Constellation for its participation in this program.

Recommendations:  budget funds to purchase weather monitoring equipment at various school sites;  survey O’Neil Drive to establish specific boundary at the High School for future consideration regarding windmills to generate electricity; interface with the Westborough Green Committee; actively seek grant funding; work with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative; continue working with the current suppliers regarding local incentive programs.  To receive state funds, the district has to spend $6,000 to $10,000 to collect a weather data base.

MOTION

At 8:00 p.m. Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji to enter Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21, for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion by roll call vote.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                        3.

March 10, 2010

The Committee returned to Open Session at 9:25 p.m., signed bills.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Doret, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 9:26 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Ilyse Levine-Kanji

Secretary

These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.

[The following minutes, posted 3/15/10 on the district site, were copied on 23-Mar-2010. Minor differences in formatting do occur, please access the district site if you desire an official, formal copy  --webmaster]

 WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

Wednesday                                                                                                                                                    February 24, 2010

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m by Chairman, Karen Henderson.  Committee members present included Mr. Craig Harris, Mr. Stephen Doret, Mr. Bruce Tretter and Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji. Administrators present were Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O’Connor and Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel Hendricks.  Student Representative, Afeefa Bhatti was also present.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

MINUTES

Mr. Bruce Tretter made a motion which was seconded by Mr. Harris to approve the minutes of January 20, 2010, as amended. The committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Harris to approve the minutes of January 27, 2010. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Mrs. O’Connor expressed her pleasure that the WHS Honors String Quartet would be performing for the Committee later in the meeting. The members of the quartet will be featured at the upcoming Massachusetts Music Educators All State Conference. They were selected by a blind panel after submitting a CD recording of their music. Mrs. O’Connor said that 98 students were recognized at the National Honor Society induction on Monday evening. She congratulated the boys Basketball team for playing well against Algonquin, although they did not come away with a win. Mrs. O’Connor also said that 9 Mill Pond students were invited to participate in a demonstration lesson under the direction of Ellin Keene, author of Mosaic of Thought. The students will demonstrate a highly effective comprehension strategy lesson to teachers attending the conference in Boston. Mrs. O’Connor stated that Kindergarten registrations are due to be returned February 26^th.  Of the 227 packets that were mailed, 125 applications have been returned so far. She said if a lottery is needed, it will be held on March 24^th at the Forbes Building.

Mr. Hendricks mentioned that the bad weather creates stress on the facilities. They’re working to keep on top of it. He also stated that the Town is looking into an electronic system that will allow managers to monitor their accounts with less paperwork. He reported that the budget is in process, and the energy report is “on the way”. Additionally, five vendors picked up bid information for the transportation contract. There was a pre-bid meeting on February 24^th, and the bid opening will be held on March 11^th.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chairman Henderson welcomed the Honors String Quartet who performed for the Committee and received congratulations all around on the excellent job they did.

Afeefa said that 2^nd term report cards have been issued. She also mentioned that the Multicultural Council held a buffet on February 11^th with food from different countries available for $1. a plate. Afeefa noted that the rescheduled National Honor Society induction was held on Monday evening, and this year sophomores were included. She mentioned that students are in the process of making course selections now, and that the eighth grade info session at WHS is February 25^th. She also announced that the High School Musical “Once On This Island” will be performed from March 5-7. She echoed Mrs. O’Connor’s congratulations to the Basketball Team for a well played game against Algonquin, mentioned that the Swim Team will perform at States on Friday, and said the Spring sports signup is on Thursday. She also mentioned the faculty-student volleyball match which she believed the students won.

Mr. Tretter congratulated the Middle School Hockey team for winning the championship. He stated that there were a lot of eighth graders which bodes well for next year’s high school team.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                           2.

January 20, 2010

Mrs. Levine-Kanji referred to information from MASC which stated that two thirds of the districts in Massachusetts had signed on to the “Race to the Top” initiative. Westborough was included in that figure. She also noted that the State’s budget included a committee on funding for Chapter 70.

Mr. Harris stated that he and Mr. Hendricks had met with the custodians for their initial negotiations session. He had also attended the Armstrong School Council meeting. He felt the meetings with the various school groups were very worthwhile.

Mrs. Henderson concurred with Mr. Harris on the positive value of having administrators and School Committee members attend a total of 17 school council, parent group, and staff meetings to spread information about the budget. She went on to say that budget meetings will commence at the next School Committee meeting on March 10^th. She mentioned that she had attended a wonderful performance of “Snow White” sponsored by SEPAC. She also encouraged people to attend the Boy Scouts pancake breakfast to be held in March.  She congratulated the students at Armstrong for their Olympic Opening Ceremony which was televised on Channel 7.

ACTION ITEMS

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2010

The Committee was in receipt of the final version of the School Calendar for 2010-2011.  Mrs. O’Connor noted that Good Friday was not listed on the calendar because it falls during the April vacation week in 2011. She indicated that the calendar, once approved, would be posted on the website.

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mr. Harris to approve the 2010-2011 School Year Calendar. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

WESTBOROUGH CIVIC CLUB DONATION OF DEFIBRILLATORS

Mrs. O’Connor introduced Mr. Mark Brady, who was representing the Westborough Civic Club. Mr. Brady announced that the Civic Club was pleased to be able to donate 2 defibrillators to the High School. He stated that the Club has been in service since 1978 and has made over $30,000 in donations in Westborough. The Civic Club’s primary fundraiser is its annual Christmas Tree sale. He said that defibrillators save lives, citing a couple of recent examples. The Club felt the high school was an appropriate location as it is public access friendly. The donation is valued at $3,282. 

MOTION

Mr. Tretter made a motion to accept with gratitude the donation from the Civic Club for the purchase of defibrillators for the high school. Mr. Harris seconded the motion and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

DONATION OF SCOREBOARDS

Mrs. O’Connor recommended that the Committee vote to accept a donation of two scoreboards valued at approximately $10,000. Most of the money will be contributed by WASA, however a contribution of $1,500. will be made by WASA and the Rotary Club has also offered a contribution as well. The new baseball scoreboard will include a wireless remote and will be installed in the Spring. There will also be a new portable Softball scoreboard.

MOTION

Mr. Harris made a motion to accept the donation with gratitude. Mr. Tretter seconded the motion, and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

WALMART DONATION TO KID’S FUND

Mrs. O’Connor recommended that the Committee vote to accept a $500. donation made by Wal-Mart to the Hastings School Kids Fund. This fund is used to assist students in need.

School Committee Meeting                                                                                                                                                          3.

January 20, 2010

MOTION

Mr. Doret made a motion to accept the donation with thanks, and it was seconded by Mr. Tretter. The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion.

NEW SCHOLARSHIP

Mrs. O’Connor stated that the Armstrong Parent Group was looking for approval to hold a fundraising event on April 24^th at Roller Kingdom to raise money for a new scholarship. The scholarship will be in honor of Caroline, daughter of Armstrong teacher Lisa Doiron. The $300. fee for use of the facility will be covered by the Parent Group. The scholarship will be used to pay full day tuition for an incoming kindergarten family in need.

MOTION

Mrs. Henderson made a motion to approve the new scholarship. Mr. Tretter seconded the motion, and the Committee voted 5-0 in favor.

ETHICS TRAINING

Mrs. O’Connor referenced a packet of information given to Committee members pertaining to online ethics training that all staff members are required to complete. School Committee members are being asked to do the training as well. Certificates of completion are due to the Town Clerk by April 2^nd, and the training must be completed every two years.

MOTION

At 6:45pm Mr. Tretter made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Levine-Kanji to enter into Executive Session under Chapter 30, Section 21, for the purpose of discussing negotiations.  The Committee voted 5-0 in favor of the motion by roll call vote.  There was a short recess until the room cleared.

The Committee returned to Open Session at 8:17 p.m.  Upon a motion by Mr. Tretter and a second by Mr. Harris, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at 8:18 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Ilyse Levine-Kanji

Secretary

These minutes are as recorded by the secretary to the school committee and do not become an official part of the record until so noted in a subsequent record.

WESTBOROUGH SCHOOL COMMITTEE

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS

MINUTES

CALL TO ORDER

The Westborough School Committee meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Mrs. Karen Henderson, members present included Mr. Stephen Doret, Mr. Craig Harris, Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji and Mr. Bruce Tretter. Administrators present included Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Anne Towle, Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Marianne O'Connor, and Director of Finance and Administration, Mr. Daniel P. Hendricks.

MOTION

At 6:05 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Bruce Tretter, seconded by Mrs. Ilyse Levine-Kanji, the Committee voted 5-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session, under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Sub-paragraph (3).

Mr. Bruce Tretter discussed the Selectmen's Meeting held on January 26,2010 at the Town Offices.

MOTION

Mr. Steve Doret motioned, and Mr. Bruce Tretter seconded, the move back into Executive Session at 8:50 p.m. Committee voted unanimously 5-0 by roll call vote to enter Executive Session, under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Sub-paragraph (3).

At 9:20 p.m. upon a motion by Mr. Steve Doret, seconded by Mrs. Karen Henderson, the Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn.

Daniel P. Hendricks Secretary (acting)